"What has become of Mary Carver?" "She is married, and lives in that house," pointing to a miserable hut near at hand. "Is it possible?" "Her husband is intemperate. It was a clandestine marriage--a love match, you know." "Was her husband intemperate when she married him?" "Not habitually so. He was so very romantic and devoted to her; so that, I suppose, she thought she could reform him." "What has become of Mr. Ralston, your old friend?" admirer, he would have said, but he deemed it unwise. "He is a lawyer here, in a small way. I believe they think of sending him to Congress." "Is he married?" "No." "I thought he seemed to be attached to you; at least I hoped that he would become my cousin." "I will answer your questions in regard to others--my own affairs do not require remark." This rebuke, so unlike any thing he had ever received from his cousin, led him to fix his gaze upon her countenance, as if to make sure of her identity. There could be no mistake. There was the same brilliant eye, the same faultless features on which he had gazed in former years. A conciliating smile led him to resume his inquiries. "Is Eliza Austin married?" His voice, as he asked this question, was far from natural, perhaps in consequence of the agitation which the rebuke just spoken of had occasioned. "No; she lives somewhere in the village, I don't know exactly where." "Do you ever see her?" "Yes; she lives with her aunt, who sometimes washes for us, so that I see her niece occasionally." "Why does she live with her aunt?" "Her mother died soon after you went away." "Eliza still lives in the village, then?" To this very unnecessary question his cousin bowed in reply. Few words more passed between them during the remainder of their walk. "You do not stay out as late as you used to do," said Mrs. Earl, as they entered the parlor. "We are no longer children," said Emily. Mason could scarcely repress an audible sigh, as those words fell from her lips. At an early hour, he repaired to his chamber. CHAPTER II. George Mason was left an orphan in his early youth. He then became a member of his uncle's family, and the constant companion of his cousin Emily. He desired no society but hers. Her slightly imperious temper did not interfere with the growth of his affection. She had a sister's place in his glowing heart. He was in some sense her teacher, and she caught something of his romantic nature. Of the little circle of her associates, he was the idol. At the age of fourteen he left home to pursue his studies for two years at a public institution. At the end of that period he became a clerk in a large commercial establishment in the city. At the close of the first year he accompanied one of the principals abroad, and remained there in charge of the business for nearly four years. He was now on the high road to wealth.